INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett is dismissing criticism by opponents of his plan to revamp the state's teacher licensing standards.

During Tuesday's meeting of the Indiana Education Roundtable, an advisory group that includes lawmakers, educators and business leaders, Bennett said his proposed changes are needed to help bring
more top-notch teachers into Indiana's schools.

The roundtable met one day after representatives of several education colleges offered scathing criticism of Bennett's proposals at the last of three public hearings on the matter. They said the proposals had been inadequately researched and would not improve the quality of the state's teachers.

Bennett rejected that criticism Tuesday. He says he hopes his licensing proposals can be approved by year's end by the Indiana Professional Standards Board.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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